Tacoma City Council Meeting - July 21st, 2009

Last night’s Tacoma City Council meeting was quite quick and efficient with several items that may be of interest to you. Sauro’s. David’s on Broadway. Speed cameras. Plus, we actually had a vote that wasn’t unanimous. When was the last time that happened?

RESOLUTIONS

Purchase Resolution No. 37828 awards a contract to:
Clearcreek Contractors, Inc., on its bid of $1,759,900.41 for removal of contaminated soils at the Sauro Property, located at 1401 Pacific Avenue. The City purchased the old Cleanarama site in January. Previously on Exit133

Resolution No. 37829 designates the University Union Club Building (David’s on Broadway), located at 539 Broadway, as a City Landmark and adding said property to the Tacoma Register of Historic Places. This building is a rare survivor of Tacoma’s old banker’s row along Broadway. As you may recall, The TNT reported that the owner of the building had objected to the designation. However, when the attorney for the owner came to the initial Landmarks meeting on this issue, they revealed their surprise and support. Previously on Exit133

FINAL READING OF ORDINANCES

Ordinance No. 27799 amends Chapter 1.30 of the Municipal Code, relating to Retirement and Pensions, authorizing the Board of Administration and the Director of the Tacoma Employes’ Retirement System to execute contracts and carry out other duties regarding the Retirement System. Councilmembers Fey and Lonergan voted against the ordinance. Their general argument being that they didn’t see a need for the change. The Mayor strongly supported this ordinance as it allows for quick, but prudent, changes to the retirement system and would bring the City’s system in line with what is commonly done throughout the state.

Ordinance No. 27819 amends Chapter 8.27 of the Municipal Code, relating to the Park Code, to expand the definition of park to include parks that are owned and managed by the City, provide authority to exclude persons committing enumerated violations to 90 days or one year, and add an appeal process.

Ordinance No. 27820 amends the Biennial Budget of the City for the fiscal years 2009-2010 to appropriate funds for 2007-2008 contract obligations, transfers, and other budget adjustments; and declaring an emergency making necessary the passage of this ordinance and its taking effect immediately upon publication.

FIRST READING OF ORDINANCES

Ordinance No. 27821 amends Chapter 1.12 of the Municipal Code, relating to the Compensation Plan, to allow for the payment of standby pay for non-represented, overtime-exempt employees based on documented, critical business need.

Ordinance No. 27822 amends Chapter 11.60 of the Municipal Code, relating to Automatic Traffic Camera Systems, to implement a pilot program for the use of one automated traffic camera system to detect speed violations, as authorized by the Washington State Legislature. Current law restricts these cameras to school and construction zones. Seattle and Tacoma were approached by the State to pilot one camera per city. The camera would be installed in the Bay Street curves – a location with about 125 accidents per year.

That’s all for this week.